CARDIAC MYXOMAS - SURGICAL-TREATMENT, LONG-TERM RESULTS AND RECURRENCE

Long-term results of the surgical treatment of cardiac myxomas are not completely understood due to its recurrence. We review our experience in 27 operated cases with a follow-up to 22 years (mean 6.5 years), i n order to throw light on results and review the problem of recurrence . One patient had a previous recurrent myxoma. At surgery we resect al l the tumors and their attachment bases. We prefer a biatrial approach , ample resection and exploration of all cardiac chambers. Hospital mo rtality was 3.7% (1 case of associated aortic valve replacement) and l ate mortality 7%. Long-term results were satisfactory, without recurre nces. The postoperative life expectancy of these patients seems simila r to that of the normal population, except in cases of recurrence or a ssociated valve replacement. Recurrence is very low (4.7% in 526 cases reported in the literature), except in the case of young patients and recurrent, familial, multiple or complex myxomas. The multigrowth pot ential of the tumor seems more important than an inadequate surgical r esection.